Most of us take our health and wellbeing for granted. We eat larger amounts of meat than vegetables and we don’t even take into consideration that we probably need extra vitamins and minerals to help our bodies continue to function properly.

Although you may not know it, you might already be experiencing vitamin deficiency. And if you do not seek help or remedy this right away, your nutritional deficiency could lead to many debilitating illnesses and diseases. Why wait until this happens? Get regular medical check-ups and blood tests and arm yourself with information on the different signs and symptoms of different vitamins deficiencies. You can refer to the informative list below to help you get started on your way to optimum health and wellbeing.

1. Prevent osteoporosis and bleeding disorders with Vitamin K. Many people say that calcium is an essential nutrient that can keep your bones and teeth healthy and strong. But even if you have sufficient amounts of calcium in your system, a deficiency in Vitamin K can also lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. This important vitamin aids in coagulating blood and to maintain healthy bone density. Heavy menstrual bleeding (for females), anemia, frequent nosebleeds and even bruising are symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency. Severe deficiency can also lead to hemorrhaging, especially in newborn babies.

2. Prevent anemia and depression with Vitamin B12. Your body uses Vitamin B12 to create red blood cells, the main means of transportation of oxygen throughout your body. Without sufficient amounts of B12, you could develop anemia, or the condition characterized by the lack of red blood cells. It’s sometimes difficult to detect vitamin deficiency, as its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. You might get easily tired and fatigued or you might suddenly have diarrhea or constipation. Nutritional deficiency of Vitamin B12 also results in pale skin and may lead to depression or even dementia.

3. Boost your reproductive health and wellbeing, as well as your heart with Vitamin D. More and more people are starting to avoid exposure to the sun because of the fear of cancer and premature aging. But avoiding the sun can actually lead to Vitamin D deficiency! If you wear sun block everyday and stay in the shade all the time, doctors recommend that you take a vitamin D supplement. Symptoms of this vitamin deficiency include muscle pain, weak bones and even infertility or miscarriages.

4. Maintain healthy eyes with Vitamin A. Did you know that you could go blind if you have severe Vitamin A deficiency? This important vitamin promotes good vision and helps maintain healthy teeth, mucous membranes and skin. If you lack adequate amounts of Vitamin A, you might have poor night vision, dry eyes and rough skin. This vitamin deficiency can even cause growth retardation in children.

5. Stay young with Vitamin E. This potent anti-oxidant helps rebuild and regenerate your body’s cells. Your body also needs it for the maintenance of the nerves and muscles. Symptoms of this vitamin deficiency include age spots, eye cataracts, a decrease in sexual libido and even muscle, liver and bone marrow abnormalities.

We are what we eat, so the old adage goes, and we can take this even further by saying that we become what we eat. Make sure to take care of your health and wellbeing by eating fruits and vegetables with every meal and taking in additional vitamins and minerals every day.

Posted under Nutrition
Tags: minerals, Vitamin A deficiency, vitamin b12, vitamin D supplement, vitamin deficiency, Vitamin E, Vitamins.